Former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has been named as the ‘ideal appointment’ for Nottingham Forest’s vacant managerial position by former Premier League midfielder turned pundit Robbie Savage.
Wilder is among the managers linked with the position after Chris Hughton was relieved of his duties on Thursday morning.
NottinghamshireLive understands that Wilder would be keen to talk to the Forest hierarchy should they come calling, although talks are yet to take place.
Swansea City manager Steve Cooper is among the other names linked with Forest, while former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is among the favourites with the bookmakers.
However, writing in his Mirror column , Savage has no doubts as to who Forest should appoint.
“If I called the shots at the City Ground, I would have no hesitation in appointing Chris Wilder as Hughton's successor,” he said.
“Wilder is a great motivator, a man who knows the Championship well, his assistant Alan Knill and backroom staff are able and supportive, and I am convinced he is the right man for the job, right now.
“We are talking about Nottingham Forest, two-time European Cup winners, a club built on the genius of Brian Clough.
“It's a huge club with a big fanbase in a great, two-club city.
“Every club is only as good as its results on the pitch. But in concept, Forest belong in the Premier League – and I think Wilder would be the ideal appointment to lead them back there.
“Look at his record and you'll see why he's such an obvious candidate.
“In 622 games, he has presided over a 45 per cent win ratio at Oxford, 48.4 per cent at Northampton and – despite a record 29 defeats in Sheffield United's freakish relegation last season – 46.7 per cent in three divisions with the Blades.
“Wilder would bring the right mix of tactical know-how and passion to a club who have lost their way... although, thankfully, Forest have never lost their soul.
“He knows how to get the best out of players, whether it's a kick up the backside or an arm round the shoulder.”
“If I was a Forest supporter, I would be praying that Wilder gets the nod.”
Wilder left his position at Sheffield United back in March with the Blades heading towards relegation from the Premier League.
